The help and care which a Falkirk area health visitor has given to local mums over the past 25 years has earned her a Chairman’s Special Award in the NHS Forth Valley 2015 Staff Awards. No less than 67 nominations from patients and colleagues were received for Sheila Atalla, a health visitor based at Meadowbank Healthcare Centre in Polmont, who was described as ‘a real treasure in the health service’ and ‘an incredible support to women wishing to breast feed.’

Sheila, who runs a breastfeeding support group in Brightons Community Hall and has backed the Buggy Walking Scheme in Polmont, was also praised for her commitment to supporting local families. One Mum of twins told how Sheila phoned her at midnight the day of their birth; another wrote that Sheila was ‘a fabulous caring person that would go to the ends of the earth to help.’

Presenting the trophy at the NHS Forth Valley 2015 Staff Awards ceremony, NHS Forth Valley’s Chairman Alex Linkston said: “The number of nominations Sheila received is testimony to how highly she is regarded by patients, colleagues and the local community where she works. I am very proud that staff of her calibre are working in NHS Forth Valley and willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver outstanding care and support on a daily basis.”

The Chairman’s Award was one of seven awards presented to recognise the work of individuals, teams and volunteers from across NHS Forth Valley. This year’s winners and runners up were selected from 526 nominations – up from around 356 last year.

An 82 year old woman, Sheila Pheeley, together with the RVS Cafe team at Stirling Community Hospital, were runners up in the Volunteer Award. Sheila was described as an inspiration for her effort, passion and incredible work ethic as well as her ability to make those she comes into contact with feel welcome and valued.  Her team also received an accolade for providing an important and much appreciated cafe and catering service at the hospital. Another runner up in the Volunteer Award, was Maureen (Mo) Egdell, who helps patients in Ward 1 at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre.  Described as a ‘ray of sunshine’ Maureen is appreciated for her rapport with patients and her warm and friendly approach. The Volunteers Award was won by NHS Forth Valley’s Nurses Choir who were recognised for their efforts to bring cheer to patients and raise money for a wide range of good causes.

Rosemari Penman, an administrator at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre, won the Unsung Hero Award after being nominated by colleagues who praised her cheerful, bright and friendly manner and described her as an excellent role model who is always willing to assist others.

The Outstanding Care Award was won by Ward A12 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital who were nominated by patients who described the care the provided as exceptional and the staff as kind, friendly and caring.  The Innovation Award was won by the Liaison Psychiatry Service for Older People who support older patients with mental illness and work with staff across the organisation to help improve diagnosis and treatment, reduce the time patients spend in hospital and ensure that families are involved and supported at every stage.

Lynn Speed, Lead Physiotherapist for Mental Health, won the Inspiration Award after being described by colleagues as an imaginative, positive and empathetic individual who has given so much to develop and improve mental health services in Forth Valley. The Top Team Award was won by Ward A11 who were praised by patients and colleagues as for being a team that works well together, leads by example and embraces change.

Morag Mclaren, NHS Forth Valley’s Head of Organisational Development said: “This year’s response from staff, patients and the general public has been absolutely fantastic and it’s been great to see that the efforts of our staff are really appreciated by colleagues and patients alike.”